Hillsdale, Michigan (CNN) – Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain laid out his foreign policy and national security strategy on Tuesday - and attempted to slam the Obama administration's credibility in those areas.

The candidate also used noteworthy tactics to make some of his points: citing Facebook to explain America's "friends" and enemies, speaking without a teleprompter amid questions about his foreign policy expertise and providing a rare glimpse into his personal life.FULL POST

Derry, New Hampshire (CNN) - Texas Gov. Rick Perry said a report of a staff shakeup was "news to me" and added that any reshuffling of his top staffers was "not in my purview" when speaking to reporters Tuesday.

The governor brushed aside several questions about the reported shakeup when journalists approached him after his fourth New Hampshire event.FULL POST

(CNN) - A pro-Sarah Palin group will start airing TV ads Wednesday in Iowa, urging the former Alaska governor to reconsider her decision against running for president.

Palin announced she wouldn't launch a White House bid in early October, ending years of speculation that the 2008 GOP vice presidential running mate might seek the Republican nomination in 2012.FULL POST

(CNN) - Senate Republicans for the first time Tuesday indicated they would back an extension of the payroll tax cut, which some in the party argued had failed to provide enough economic bang for the buck as the Obama administration and congressional Democrats had promised.

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the GOP would offer a bill this week to extend the payroll tax cut for one year and offset its costs in a way that is more agreeable to Republicans than a surtax on incomes over $1 million, which Democrats had proposed.FULL POST

Tampa, Florida (CNN) - You've heard of the Dos Equis beer pitch-man, "The Most Interesting Man in the World." Perhaps it's time to dub Mitt Romney "The Most Fortunate Candidate in the Race."

The former Massachusetts governor has led what has been a relatively charmed campaign. While Romney has spent the last few weeks polishing his attack lines for the president, several of his rivals have had near implosions. Witness Herman Cain and Rick Perry.FULL POST